It’s well into the spring, and if you’re like me, we’re now deciding on buying a new bikini or one-piece. I know, I know, we already have enough! More than necessary to epically wear a different style each day on a week long vacation! But for me, the obsession with collecting swim fashion continues even so. There is no better way to celebrate a warm weather getaway than with buying one new suit–ONE. The reason I say just buy one is because years ago, I got sucked into how cheap bathing suits were, especially with pop up online retailers (remember Cup She?) I bought way too many swimsuits and I didn’t wear any of them much more than once. Then I got bored of the half a dozen I had just bought and a year later, they were off to the landfill. Fashion should be fun, but also sustainable. The way I learned to be at peace with the matter is like with any collection; it has to be made with curated pieces that are loved and each new swimwear is adding something different and loveable to the wardrobe. Here are my tips for a guideline when adding to the collection:
- Think of the purpose of the new swimsuit: What is the destination or setting going to be? A quiet beach in the Mediterranean? City side Venice Beach in California, LA? Poolside on a cruise to the Caribbean? Sun tanning on the white sand beaches in Miami? For example, for a past trip to the Bahamas by cruise, I wanted a tropical print bikini! And I didn’t have one, so I scoured the internet for one that I absolutely adored. The colours, and size of the flora and fauna were perfect! I am not bored of that one and will definitely wear it again on the beach!
- Know which colour group you belong to: Certain colours when placed next to our faces, brighten us up, and compliment our complexions. And other colours do not look great next to our skin. For example I’m a cool toned gal, but on the lighter end of the spectrum. Think baby pinks, blues and lavender. And my neutral colours are white or grey, versus black or brown. My worst colours are orange, red, and coral…too intense for my complexion and too warm. Yellow sometimes works on me because at least it’s on the lighter side! But that’s my colour palette. Everyone’s colour palette is different. I have met people who were cool dark palette; so imagine: burgundy, charcoal, black, ultramarine blue. And I have met someone who absolutely glows when wearing orange and corals, unlike me! Buying a suit in a colour that works with your complexion is a key to loving it!
- Know your body shape: I have broad square shoulders, so I tend to opt for halter styles on the top that focus on the center of my chest. If you have big hips, maybe don’t go for the boy-shorts cut. Apple and round shaped bodies might actually look good in a two piece where the middle is not visually accentuated, instead of squeezed into a one-piece. Think about your body and where the eye will be drawn to in different swimwear. Think about places on your body you want to accentuate (i.e.. that tiny waist, long legs…etc.) and choose the cuts that match that aesthetic!
- Solid bathing suits are boring. It’s nice to have that simple black or white matching bikini set in some cases, but in general, one colour bathing suits don’t really catch the eye. When I wear solid colour suits, there are two things that are a must: they must be an exact colour match with the top and bottom, and they should have something interesting about them. Are they made of some fun material? Not the standard spandex suit, but maybe they are made of terry cloth, or cotton eyelet, or crochet? Texture and interesting fabrics is important when choosing solid colours.
- Common sense details to think about when swimwear shopping such as: The fit of the suit: we all want to buy the right size when it comes to any clothing item, but it’s ever more important with swim…because breasts need to be supported and covered, and any suit that is too tight will not be flattering! Another thing, and I don’t want to get people too stressed about it, but most people know when bathing suit season is coming, or a vacation as well–so getting ready to be in swimwear may mean skipping dessert more often than not and hitting the gym occasionally. Just sayin’!
All in all, guys, just have fun. Adding new pieces of clothing to any capsule wardrobe, or well-curated collection takes time, thought and effort. But if all of these things align, you can have fun, and look good wearing the fruits of your labour! And who doesn’t want to look good while hanging poolside with a margarita in hand? Happy shopping and summer guys! For more swim content check out this article from before!
Dreamy Reveries: a journal of make-up and fashion 